Date:         Sat, 6 Nov 1999 19:54:23 -0500
Reply-To:     Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Bulley <gmbulley@BULLEY-HEWLETT.COM>
Subject:      Re: * How Do I Clean Westy Pop-Top? (outer surfaces) *
Comments: To: "C. Stafford" <kitschy@EARTHLINK.NET>

When we bought our Westy, The PO had NEVER cleaned the top. It was pretty
nasty. It now looks and shines like new. Here is what we did/used, with
caveats.

There is a product available at Kmart, Auto Zone, etc. called "Purple
Power". It is biodegradable, but incredibly strong. It is like 409 on
steroids. We sprayed this all over the top. It completely dissolved
everything that wasn't part of the top. We pressure washed the remainder
away. BEWARE though: Any drips onto surrounding paint will remove
oxidation...which initially sounds good, but it you don't remove oxidation
uniformly, it leaves streaks. So take precautions, or be prepared to
polish/wax your van PDQ.

Next I used MacGuires system...Step One is a chemical cleaner, Step Two is
a semi-abrasive polish to remove blemishes, and Step Three is a
sealant/wax. It works; the top litterally shines like new.

Cost: about $40 for the cleaners, time at the carwash/pressure washer, and
polish. Effort: one day.

You'll be glad you did.

G. Matthew Bulley
Director
Bulley-Hewlett & Associates
www.bulley-hewlett.com
Cary, NC USA
888.468.4880 tollfree


-----Original Message-----
From:   C. Stafford [SMTP:kitschy@EARTHLINK.NET]
Sent:   Saturday, November 06, 1999 12:04 AM
To:     vanagon@GERRY.VANAGON.COM
Subject:        * How Do I Clean Westy Pop-Top? (outer surfaces) *

Hi,

What's the best/safest way to clean a light covering of old moss/dirt off
the top of a Westy fiberglass pop-top?

- What kind of cleaner will neutralize the moss/remove it cleanly?

- What other "tools" can safely be used in conjunction with the cleaner
without damaging the top?

- Any "whiteners" or "brighteners" available for fiberglass tops like the
Westy's?

Thanks in advance- by the way, this "Westy" is for sale.. Just has a tad
bit
of old Oregon moss on it that needs removing is all..

Chris..